Help with the Cost of Living

Advice and Information services

Find out about

If you are unsure about your entitlements, or any information contained on this page, you should seek advice and support from a professional agency such as The Highland Council Welfare Support Team or your local Citizens Advice Bureau

Money worry's leaflet

The Worrying About Money? leaflet, provides a wide range of relevant financial advice and support with contact details together in a user-friendly format aimed at people who are struggling to make ends meet.

The guide covers information for people waiting for claims to be assessed as well as those already receiving benefits. Topics including advice on what to do if anyone finds themselves having a sudden loss of income or if their statutory sick pay does not cover their living expenses. There is also information on how to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund, maximising income and benefit advice, debt advice and how to challenge a decision.

Worrying About Money? leaflet

Welfare Support Team

Our aim is to put more money in your pocket so that you can pay your bills, heat your home and have a better quality of life.

We can:

  • advise you about all the benefits and other entitlements that are available
  • undertake benefit checks to ensure you are not missing out on any benefits
  • provide assistance to help you complete the relevant forms
  • help you with advice and support if your application for benefit is turned down or you do not receive the amount you were expecting

Watch our video below:

The Welfare Support Team provide free, impartial and confidential support to claim all benefits and entitlements. Contact the Welfare Support Team by:

Scottish Government's Cost of Living Support

Help during the cost of living crisis webpage

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau offer free, impartial and confidential advice to the general public. They deliver support and guidance on a range of topics including welfare, money and housing advice, giving people the information they need to deal with any situation and improve their lives.

Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme

The Scottish Government has awarded funding to help Highland Council deliver energy efficiency programmes in the Highlands as part of the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS).

The area based programmes aim to:

  • target fuel-poor areas
  • offer insulation measures (Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation)
  • heat your property through an Air Source Heat Pump
  • offer solar PV and battery storage

Funding is available from the Scottish Government for the installation of measures.

  • Scottish Government Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) grant – is based on property eligibility criteria

Air Source Heat Pump, Cavity Wall, Loft Insulation, Solar PV and Battery Storage

These measures are eligible for:

  • Scottish Government EES:ABS grant

An owner's contribution may be required to cover the remainder of the cost for installation.

Home Energy Scotland

Home Energy Scotland can help with free, impartial advice on saving energy, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, cutting water waste and more. They have also published a detailed list of programmes and services that can help with financial support like debt, emergency funding and fuel vouchers.

Further information on Home Energy Scotland can be found by:

Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland services provide practical support and advice to people experiencing bad housing or homelessness. Our advice helpline is the best way to contact for emergencies and urgent housing-advice matters. You will receive confidential and practical advice including your rights, offer guidance and link you up with specialist or local services to help you longer term.

Further information on Shelter Scotland can be found by:

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